Please note that this article discusses the rising dangers of child drownings. If you or a loved one have experienced this tragedy or are impacted by the topic and need to talk with a counselor now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24-hour line available to anyone in emotional distress. You can also reach the Lifeline using the short dialing code: 988.

Taking a dip in the pool can be the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat. But you need to be vigilant about water safety when you’re spending time in or near the water.

After decades of declines in drowning deaths in the U.S., they’ve increased in the last two years. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe around the water and talk to your children about the dangers.

Know the risks about drownings

A child can drown anywhere there’s water. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, infant drownings tend to occur most often in bathtubs. But for young children, the pool is the most dangerous location. Open water is the most common location for drownings for teens.

Teach your child to swim

Swim lessons are a rite of passage for many children, and for good reason. Experts encourage parents to teach their children how to swim — or have someone else teach their children to swim.

However, don’t rely on your child’s ability to swim. In Tennessee, about half of the children who drowned in 2020 knew how to swim. Even kids who know how to swim should know about other water safety rules.

You can begin introducing children to water safety as early as their first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Look for a swim instructor who is nationally certified and will teach water survival skills, not just swim stroke techniques.

Important water safety tips

1. Learn to swim yourself. Nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. don’t know how to swim. If you’re one of them, contact a local organization like the YMCA or Red Cross to find an adult swim instructor.
2. Always supervise your children. It only takes a moment for a child or inexperienced swimmer to drown. Even if a lifeguard is present, keep a close watch on your kids. Don’t get distracted by activities like texting or playing games on your phone. Don’t leave your young child alone or in the bathtub, either.
3. Know the risks of the location. The Red Cross recommends you understand the specific risks of the water environment you’re in, which might include ocean rip currents, shallow depths, river currents and underwater hazards.
4. Always wear life jackets when boating. When riding in a boat, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device, even if you’re a good swimmer. Don’t substitute pool toys for life jackets. Pool noodles, inner tubes and rafts are fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket or personal floatation device.
5. Never go swimming or boating alone. Always bring a friend with you.
6. Cover hot tubs or spas. Make sure the cover to your hot tub or spa is locked when it’s not in use. Experts also recommend installing drain covers and safety-release systems in hot tubs, spas and pools.
7. Put a fence around your pool. Many areas require that you install a fence around your pool or hot tub to keep children (and animals) out when unsupervised. Find out what your location requires.
8. Don’t drink and swim. Don’t drink alcohol beverages when swimming, boating, or supervising others in the water. Alcohol slows down your reaction time and can affect your ability to respond to an emergency. It can make some people more likely to take dangerous risks around the water, too.
9. Never dive into shallow water. Diving into shallow water can cause serious spinal cord injuries. Check the water depth before you do any diving. If you’re not sure it’s deep enough to dive, enter the water feet first instead. Also, don’t dive into any above-ground pools.
10. Learn the signs of drowning. The signs of drowning can be very subtle, so you might miss them. It doesn’t always look like dramatic waving and thrashing around. A drowning person may be vertical in the water, with their head slightly tilted back and just barely above the water. They may be using their arms out in front or to their sides to keep their head from going under. They may be quiet because they don’t have the energy to shout out, or their mouth is actually under water.
11. Learn how to respond to someone who is drowning. If you recognize the signs of drowning, shout for help first. Then begin the rescue process.

Talk with your child about these dangers

Talking with children about scary topics is difficult, but helping them understand and process potential dangers can improve their state of mind.

To lay the groundwork, parents should focus on talking with their child about other subjects before a tragedy occurs, according to Dr. Jill Amos, a licensed behavioral health psychologist for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

“Communicating about difficult subjects is easier and more natural when you’re talking often about many things with your child,” Dr. Amos says. “When a child feels that they are understood, they are more likely to either disclose a concern or open up when you gently inquire about a difficult subject.”

You can have a great time in the water with your family or friends. Just be careful to minimize the risks.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.